Zenit News Agency – The World Seen From Rome

Zenit News Agency – The World Seen From Rome: “Code: ZE06062706
Date: 2006-06-27
Pope Grants Indulgence for Family Meeting
Encourages Participation in Event
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 27, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is offering a plenary indulgence for those who participate, either physically or spiritually, in the 5th World Meeting of Families in Spain this summer.

The indulgence was announced in a decree published today, and signed by Cardinal James Stafford, major penitentiary.

Valencia will host the ceremonies of this event from July 1-9. Benedict XVI plans to be present July 8-9.

The Holy Father hopes all those who go to Valencia will ‘participate with fervor and attention in the different initiatives and celebrations that will take place there in favor of the family and that, once they have returned to their homes, strengthened by the grace of God, they will dedicate themselves generously to conform their families and those of their neighbors according to the holy rules of the Gospel.’

Moreover, the Bishop of Rome hopes this meeting will serve to reflect further on the theme chosen for this occasion: ‘The family, seat of life and love, domestic Church, in which the parents transmit to their children the inestimable gift of faith.’

The decree states: ‘The Supreme Pontiff grants to the faithful a plenary indulgence, which they will obtain according to the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion and prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff himself), with a spirit detached from any sin, if they take part fervently in some solemn celebration, in Valencia, in the course of the 5th World Meeting of Families, and in its solemn closing.’

The decree further explains that “all other faithful who cannot participate in that event will obtain the same gift of the plenary indulgence, with the same conditions, on the days it is held and on the closing day, if, united with the spirit and thought of the faithful present in Valencia, they recite in the family the Our Father, the Creed and other devout prayers to invoke from Divine Mercy the ends earlier indicated.”

Created by Pope John Paul II, the World Meeting of Families is a convocation called every three years by the Pope to celebrate the divine gift of the family. The Pontifical Council for the Family organizes the event in collaboration with the host diocese.

This year’s event in Valencia is expected to draw 1.5 million people.